She told Teesside Crown Court yesterday: “I never ever stole anything off anybody.” Asked whether she was a dishonest person, she said: “Far from it.” She added: “I just can’t believe the situation I’m actually in.

“For doing a good turn for somebody, to be stood here in front of the jury and a judge, it’s just absolutely unbelievable.”

Mrs Fryett, 44, of Burnsall Road, Berwick Hills, who with her 47-year-old husband Trevor denies allegations of theft, defended herself against claims she swindled former school cook Mrs McGowan, denying forcing her to change her will or change her car.

She also denies a fraud charge over the pensioner’s purchase of a sport saloon Peugeot convertible for Mrs Fryett.